Cyberhate among Ukrainian adolescents in war-torn Ukraine: A study of exposure, victimization, and perpetration

The rise of social media has offered adolescents opportunities for development and learning but has also introduced new challenges such as cyberhate. This study explores the dynamics of cyberhate among Ukrainian adolescents, focusing on exposure, victimization, and perpetration in the context of the ongoing war and displacement. Drawing on a sample of 4160 participants aged 10 to 25, we analyzed the relation between these roles using social learning theory as our conceptual framework. We also considered gender, age, and direct exposure to war activities in relation to cyberhate perpetration. Our findings indicate that males are significantly more likely to be perpetrators compared to females. Furthermore, victims of cyberhate and cyberbullying demonstrate a higher tendency to perpetrate cyberhate, suggesting a cyclical pattern of aggression. Individuals with cyberhate victims in their social circles, or those generally exposed to cyberhate, are more likely to become perpetrators as well. These insights contribute to the discourse on cyberhate prevention, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. • Explored different roles in cyberhate among Ukrainian adolescents. • Employed structural equation modeling to explore relationships between exposure, victimization, and perpetration. • Gender differences noted, boys are more likely to perpetrate cyberhate than girls. • Confirmed strong victim-perpetrator link; exposure increases hate behaviors. • Insights into cyberhate in a war context.